Everything You Should Know About Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the world´s most famous grape variety. Wines that are made by this grape variety are full-bodied and tannic wines with great ageing potential. The grape is known and consumed all over the world, but, do you know its origins and how it became so famous?
In this article, we will tell you all about the origins, where it grows, how it tastes and how has become widely recognized. The first thing to bear in mind is that it is important to not confuse Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc or Carmènere, given that they are two different varieties.
Depending on the countries where it grows, the grape can receive other names. For example, in Romania, it is called Bordo and in Switzerland, it is called Bordeaux. In France, in the wine region of Saint- Emilion and Pomerol, famous for producing Grand cru wines, Cabernet Sauvignon can be called Bouchet, Bouchet Sauvignon or Petit Bouchet.
In the Republic of Moldova, Bulgaria and Russia, it is known as Lafit or Lafite. It is important to know the synonyms, so we always know what type of grape we are talking about.
Origins of Cabernet Sauvignon
The origin of Cabernet Sauvignon date back to the 18th century, although there is not a clear date, as it was possibly confused with Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon is the offspring of the mix between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. The mix between these two grape varieties happened spontaneously in the Gironde region, in the southwest of France.
Where does Cabernet Sauvignon grow?
Cabernet Sauvignon grows in gravel soils. The bunches are small and have thick skin, which produces deep red colour wines. Thanks to its strong wood, winemakers can harvest it mechanically without damaging the vineyard.
What aromas does it have?
Cabernet Sauvignon wines have aromas that vary from blackcurrant to cedar. As we mentioned, Cabernet Sauvignon wines have a lot of tannins and give wines with a lot of structure.
Given that cabernet sauvignon wines are very strong, winemakers normally blend them with softer varieties such as Merlot. The close genetic relationship between these two grapes makes it ideal to blend them together.
For example, in Bordeaux, there is the blend known as Bordeaux Blend, that are normally Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Cabernet Franc or other varieties such as Petit Verdot or Malbec.
Why is Cabernet Sauvignon Famous?
Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant grape variety in the blends made in the most famous wines made in Bordeaux´s Medoc and Graves regions. Given its extended popularity, Cabernet sauvignon has been planted almost wherever vines are grown for wine production, except in regions too cool for planting cabernet sauvignon.
Even though Cabernet Sauvignon is planted everywhere, there are some regions that make remarkable wines from Cabernet sauvignon. The most famous wine regions are in the Bordeaux region, more specifically in Médoc, and in Pessac-Léognan.
Top 3 Cabernet Sauvignon wines that definitely you need to try:
Chapelle de Potensac 2016: Excellent red wine made of Bordeaux blend; Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. 2016 is a great vintage from AOC Medoc.
It has a very red colour. It has aromas of red flowers and red fruit, with spicy flavours. On the palate, it is smooth and elegant, with vibrant tannins. You will taste the perfect combination of the three grapes.
Chateau la Landotte 2017: Great Bordeaux wine from A.O.C Medoc. It is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. It has been aged in barriques.
On the nose, this 2016 has a fairly intense nose with notes of black and red fruits and very nice floral notes in the background. On the palate, it is very pleasant, more round than powerful. It is a well-balanced wine that can wait for 2/3 years to reach good maturity but that can be enjoyed now.
Chateau Lespault – Martillac Red Wine: Excellent Red wine from the Pessac-Leognan appellation in France. It is made of 65% merlot grapes, 30% cabernet sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot.
This wine presents a dark, intense and bright red colour. The nose is crisp and develops notes of ripe, fresh red fruits. The palate combines fullness, fruitiness and softness, offering savoury and delicate fruit flesh, revealing supple tannins and beautiful sweetness.
A balanced and refined wine with a long, elegant and mineral finish. We recommend pairing it with red meats, such as filet mignon with vegetables.
We hope that you enjoyed this article about the famous Cabernet Sauvignon. Don´t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to know more about grape varieties, wineries and regions.
Also, visit our store to discover more Cabernet Sauvignon wines. We have them from all over the world!
See you next time, wine lovers,
Victoria Estrada, head sommelier of Dis&Dis
